Hillbilly Rockstar (Blacktop Cowboys 6)

“Jesus. Seriously?”

Liberty jerked her chin out of his hold. “Seriously. Now, get out of my way.”

That’s when Devin noticed the labored state of her breathing. The pulse point in her neck was throbbing. The irises of her eyes were huge, not wary but darkened with a look he hadn’t seen on her before. Desire.

“That’s why you got so pissy?” He wanted to say, Because you’re not hiding the fact you’re attracted to me? But he decided that would send her scuttling back into her shell. So he settled on, “Because you’ve realized I’m not such a bad guy?”

“Yes. This isn’t real. We’re forced together because of professional circumstances, not because we choose to be together.”

“Bullshit. I chose you as my personal security. And I know Garrett gave you the option of saying no to me. But you didn’t. So some part of you wanted to be here with me. Maybe it was strictly professional at first, but things change. We’ve been on this path since the moment you stepped on this bus with me. You aren’t denying that, are you?”

After a long pause, she shook her head.

“So, baby, talk to me. Please.”

Liberty turned and faced the door again. “I . . . can’t.”

“You can. I opened up to you about Michelle, and, sweetheart, that’s damn rare. There’s no judgment between us. You already told me some of what you’re dealing with. Maybe it’ll help if you tell it all. Just rip off the bandage instead of letting the wound fester.”

She blew out a long breath. “Maybe you’re right.”

He waited. He’d wait all damn day if that’s what it took to help her through this.

Her body tensed, and then she started to speak. “During my third deployment, I was involved with an officer. That’s taboo, especially since he was my commanding officer. Somehow we managed to keep our relationship a secret. Two months before our deployment was up, the vehicle he was riding in hit an IED. I was in the transport truck directly behind them and saw it happen. I jumped out and ran to the wreckage because I thought I could save him.”

Devin was sensing a theme here.

She shuddered. “But once again I was too late. Everyone thought I was some kind of hero for trying to save our beloved CO. I actually got a commendation. No one ever knew the truth of why I disobeyed a direct command. I had to pretend I was only doing my job when I had the horror of watching my lover die in my arms. That’s the nightmare I relive.”

“Christ.” He rested his forehead to the back of her head. “I’m so sorry. How long ago did it happen?”

“Five years. After that, I didn’t care whether I lived or died. I didn’t snap out of it until my body took the bullets meant for someone else and I saved the ambassador’s life. I couldn’t save my friend. Couldn’t save my lover. So the third time’s a charm rule worked for the ambassador.”

“Liberty.”

“No one knows this shit about me. I don’t know why I’m telling you.”

“I don’t know why either, but you can trust that I won’t break your confidence. Trust that this doesn’t change anything between us.”

Such a liar you are, McClain. It changes everything.

“Thank you.” Without another word, she pushed him aside and walked out.

Devin sagged against the door. No wonder she’d gotten into the personal-protection business. No wonder she had a hard time letting anyone get close—they had all died on her.

Sound familiar?

Turns out they weren’t so different after all.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why had she told him about Sean? She stopped violently scrubbing her hair and stood under the showerhead to rinse away the explosion of bubbles.

Because Devin was right; you needed to tell someone.

But why him? Tit for tat since he’d told her about his sister?

No.

She’d told him because even when she’d tried to push him away, he wouldn’t let her. She’d taken a chance and trusted him. If her trust was misplaced . . . well, she’d deal with whatever resulted.

Since Odette was around, Liberty had to do a full hair and makeup job. During the day, when Devin locked himself in his room and worked on music, she didn’t bother getting dolled up until they were forced to leave the bus.

She slipped on a pair of wide-legged olive-colored cropped pants, a sleeveless black blouse ruched down the center and patterned with swirls of gold, olive and plum. When she slipped on her gun before the show, she’d don the boxy black jacket that covered it. Concealment undergarments allowed her to keep her weapon by her hip, at the small of her back, or under her armpit. She regularly switched out the spandex-like garments. Wouldn’t do to get complacent, always wearing her gun in the same place.

Hair fluffed, personal assistant face on, she exited the bathroom as the bus swerved slightly. She smacked right into Devin’s hard chest.

“Whoa there. Careful.” His long, strong fingers circled her biceps as he steadied her. “Wouldn’t think you’d feel the twists and turns in a vehicle this size, would ya?”

“You sure Crash isn’t driving this bus?”

Devin grinned. “If Crash was drivin’, we would’ve tipped up on two wheels for sure.”

“Scary thought.” Liberty noticed that he maintained a grip on her arms, and his smile faded. “What?”

Then he did the oddest thing; he angled his head, lightly trailing his nose up the side of her neck. “Sweet Jesus, woman. Why do you always smell like chocolate and vanilla?”